surface RT

Not all Windows are created equal, no matter how much Microsoft tries to convince you otherwise with its Windows 10 spiel. Just yesterday the tech giant was singing the unifying gospel of Windows 10 across all Microsoft's devices, even including the Xbox game system. But now it is clarifying it just a bit that no, not everyone will be getting Windows 10. Or to be more exact, Microsoft's rather oddball Windows RT will only be getting certain features of Windows 10 but not the whole shebang.

Microsoft's "Surface mini" will be one of a number of new Windows tablets revealed on May 20th, insiders claim, with the software giant said to be readying both Windows RT and full Windows 8.1 models. The new Surface RT 8.1 models will also mark a switch in architecture, it's suggested, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon said to be under the hood.

It may not be the most popular tablet around, but the Surface 2 might soon be a fixture in airplanes and pilots' equipment. The FAA has just authorized Microsoft's oft belittled tablet for pilot use in all phases of flights.

Microsoft really, really needs the Surface 2 to succeed. Praise around the first-generation Surface RT's hardware and design was tempered with more than a little criticism of Windows RT, and confused consumers left tablet manufacturers focusing on Windows 8 until only Microsoft's slate was left running the pared-back version. The Surface 2, then, aims to give Windows RT a second chance, but is Microsoft finally onto a winner or simply flogging a dead horse? Read on for the SlashGear review.

One day after the newest Apple event in which they showed off a set of new iPads and desktop machines and Microsoft has fired back at Apple's most interesting move: free software. Apple turned the latest release of their desktop operating system (OS X Mavericks) as well as their iWork and iLife suites of apps into free releases. Microsoft's own Corporate Vice President of Communications, Frank Shaw, today suggested that the public's response to this set of freebies were all due to the so-called Apple RDF (Reality Distortion Field).

It would appear that Delta airlines are bucking some device trends this upcoming travel season in a move that will have Microsoft pleased. Though the airline had been working with Apple's iPad slate for some time now, they've begun transitioning to the Microsoft-made Surface 2. This tablet is up for pre-order as of the 24th of September, and will begin appearing on doorsteps and in stores on the 22nd of October here in the United States.

While the Surface Pro 2 was shown off with a set of power upgrades earlier today, the Surface 2 is set to return with a collection of slim-downs. This starts with a thinner body, a lighter body, and a silver option (so you're not just stuck with black.) This device is coming with a Full HD display - that's 1080p with Microsoft's own "ClearType" technology across its face.

The temporary price cut that Microsoft made to its Surface tablets earlier this month will be permanent, it has been revealed, leaving both the Surface Pro and the Surface RT varieties of the tablets -- as well as the Touch Cover -- a fair bit cheaper. The price change isn't instantaneous, however, with the company saying it will be altering the prices in a phased approach.

The Surface RT may not have lived up to every expectation Microsoft had, but it doesn't look like that is going to stop them from returning with a follow-up model. Despite nothing official coming from Microsoft just yet, there is already talk of that follow-up device. That talk has come by way of NVIDIA's CEO who recently told CNET they are "working really hard on it."

We heard a few days ago that retailers were beginning to discount Microsoft's Surface RT tablet, but it wasn't clear if this was a retailer-focused sale, or if Microsoft was beginning to discount its lower-end tablet line altogether. However, Microsoft officially lowered the price of the Surface RT to a mere $349 in Microsoft Stores.